Experiencing trouble connecting your BAFX OBD2 reader to your ’99 Miata? It’s a common frustration when your OBD2 scanner fails to communicate with your vehicle’s computer. You’ve plugged in your BAFX Bluetooth OBD-II reader, the red light is on, but your Android app like Torque or Car Gauge Lite reports “No response from vehicle ECU.” You’re not alone, and thankfully, there are several reasons why your BAFX OBD2 reader might not be detecting your Miata, along with troubleshooting steps to get you connected.
One of the first things to consider is whether you are using the correct OBD2 port location on your ’99 Miata. While you mentioned finding a port near the fuse box to the left of the driver’s knee, it’s crucial to confirm this is the right one. The OBD-II port in the NB Miata (1999-2005) is indeed located in the driver’s side footwell, but it’s typically found above the fuse box, closer to the center console. Sometimes, it can be a bit tucked away, so a thorough check is necessary.
Another potential issue could be protocol incompatibility, although less likely with a generic OBD2 reader like the BAFX. OBD-II protocols became standardized in the late 90s, and the ’99 Miata should be OBD-II compliant. However, it’s worth checking if your Torque app or Car Gauge Lite app is set to “Auto” protocol detection. If it is, try manually selecting a protocol. ISO9141-2 and KWP2000 are protocols sometimes used in older OBD-II vehicles. Experimenting with these manual selections in your app settings might establish a connection.
Reader compatibility itself can occasionally be the culprit. While the BAFX OBD2 reader is generally well-regarded, some vehicles can be particular about OBD2 reader compatibility. The fact that your BAFX reader works on your ’98 Civic is a good sign the reader itself is functional. However, it doesn’t definitively rule out a compatibility quirk with the ’99 Miata. Before considering replacing your BAFX reader, ensure you’ve exhausted other troubleshooting steps.
If you’ve verified the OBD2 port location, experimented with protocol settings, and still face the “Bafx Obd2 Not Detecting” issue, consider testing with a different OBD2 app. While Torque and Car Gauge Lite are popular, trying another OBD2 app from the Google Play Store could sometimes resolve software-related glitches or compatibility issues specific to an app. There are many free and paid OBD2 apps available, and trying a different one can help isolate whether the problem lies within the app itself.
In conclusion, when your BAFX OBD2 reader isn’t detecting your ’99 Miata, systematically troubleshooting is key. Double-check the OBD2 port location, experiment with manual protocol selection in your app, and consider trying a different OBD2 app to rule out software issues. While less likely, compatibility issues or, in rare cases, a problem with the Miata’s ECU could be factors. By methodically working through these steps, you’ll increase your chances of successfully connecting your BAFX OBD2 reader and accessing your Miata’s diagnostic data.
